Product Description
There are lots of things about weight training in general and barbell exercise in particular that can only be learned by spending way too many hours in the gym. And honestly, unless you're a gym owner, this is a really weird way to spend 75 hours a week. Mark Rippetoe has been in the fitness industry since 1978 and has owned a black-iron gym since 1984. He knows things about lifting weights and training for performance that most other coaches and professionals have never had the chance to learn. This book of essays offers a glimpse into the depths of experience made possible through many years under the bar, and many more years spent helping others under the bar.

CUSTOMER REVIEWS (Average Customer Rating: 5.0 based on 14 reviews)

Very Entertaining

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Mr. Rippetoe is very straight forward and knowledgeable. His words are a result of thinking of many years in the gym. Reading his choice of quotes is worth the purchase of this book.
November 19, 2008

all you need

Do you to want to -maybe- get strong as a side effect of bodybuilding, or do you want to -get- strong? This is the program for getting strong. Genetic pre-dispositon, sport-specific skill training, & dietary manipulation will deterine whether you are a football lineman or Mr America, but this is the program either way, at least for now,(thus the 'Starting' part of the title).
October 06, 2008

good enough

an interesting read. great tips on lifting as well as some prudent observations on people who lift. also a superb motivator. its one you'll probably read twice. i'll buy anything mr rippetoe writes at this point.
September 18, 2008

Great information and fun to read.

This book contains great information, is motivational and---with a dry wit that clearly comes from much experience---very funny in places. The style is direct, practical, and easy to read. There is stuff in here that is pretty technical, but also very useful, like the extended analysis of deadlift form, and there is also a lot of philosophy. You'll find yourself reading this stuff and then wanting to head to the gym to try it out.

With this book, plus Starting Strength, you'll be prepared mentally and physically to use strength training just to be strong, to help in whatever sport you do and to make your life better.

Finally, this book has some utterly hilarious comments about cyclists and strength training. As a road biker, I agree that the cycling community as a whole just doesn't get why strength training matters. However, after starting to lift at age 52 (and never touched a barbell before) I definitely get it. The cycling improvements are obvious and it works -exactly- as described in this book: You can ride harder, longer because you're working at a lower percentage of your total strength.

You also have less fatigue on the bike because every muscle in your body has been strengthened so that holding a cycling position is easier. Training time is greatly reduced because 30 minutes of lifting is FAR more effective than 30 minutes of cycling. You still have to build base miles, but the requirement is greatly reduced, leading to a more efficient training schedule.
August 24, 2008

Great read!

A really good book. I have to say the book is too advanced for me at my level, but I am still learning a LOT. And the best part is, this book is actually fun to read! I actually find myself really enjoying his style and sense of humor. If you're looking to be educated and entertained - a true rarity - you should really get this book.

Note that it does focus a lot on squats, deadlifts, and building muscle, and tends to "look down" on long distance running. I consider it a valuable perspective in today's environment which is so focused on cardio, distance running, pilates, etc. This is just good old fashioned brawn-based muscle building. I also really like that it focuses on hard work - things that are hard are good for you, and we do tend to avoid things that are hard.

Really - a must have for anyone serious about building muscle or even just getting into good shape.
August 04, 2008

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